Review: the G-SHOCK DW-5600MNC with FIDLOCK Clasp
G-SHOCK enthusiasts everywhere will be happy to hear that Casio has embraced a DW-5600 mod that has been popular for years – and it’s slated to hit international markets in the very near future. The new G-SHOCK DW-5600MNC series sees our favorite square swapping out its classic resin strap for a comfortable cloth option with a magnetic twist. For this update, G-SHOCK has partnered with FIDLOCK, a company known for its easy-to-operate fasteners featuring neodymium magnets, to give a boost to the original DW-5600 strap – typically considered by some owners to be a weak point when it comes to all-day wear. FIDLOCK’s technology has found a home in EDC and modding communities, with its most popular contributions outfitting backpacks, water bottle mounts, and even bike helmets.
The marriage of these two brands intends to provide users a new type of wearing experience that melds all-day comfort with the practicality we know and love. However, the chasm that exists between the lofty ambition of this release and the end product is one that could damage even the toughest of G-SHOCKs. I spent a week getting hands-on with the new DW-5600MNC series and attempting to understand the point of this questionable update.
Before I begin, it’s worth noting for context that G-SHOCK appears in my personal collection more than any other brand. Its tactical aesthetic might be an acquired taste to some, but it’s one I gravitate to readily. When I want a watch I don’t have to think about, it’s a G-SHOCK, and I’ve never been let down. I have high expectations because I have confidence they will deliver.
The DW-5600 series is one of my favorites. The silhouette is synonymous with G-SHOCK’s history, with the very first DW-5000 debuting in 1983. Many subsequent iterations and the better part of four decades highlights a core truth: we love our G-SHOCK square. The dimensions (48.9mm x 42.8mm with a height of 13.4mm) make it universally flattering. The bio-based resin construction of the case (and until now, the strap) make it nearly impervious to scrapes, scratches, or dings. At only 53 grams, this new DW-5600MNC is comparable in weight to the DW-5600E or the GWM-5610. Having been on the receiving end of a wrist pinch once or twice while securing the OEM resin strap, I was hopeful these new cloth options would solve a small but nevertheless present problem.
The DW-5600MNC series offer enthusiasts the option of three colorways: a dark gray case with a navy, orange, and yellow strap; a light gray case with a slate and yellow strap; or, a monochromatic blacked out option with an inverted display to complete the effect. My review sample was the dark gray and navy/orange/yellow combination, which appealed to me most out of the three. The magnetic and mechanical construction of the clasp allow the watch to be secured or removed with one hand.
The concept of the strap is one that I love. It fits my 5.75 inch wrist nicely and is made from polyester that stretches up to 2.7 times its original length. It’s incredibly comfortable and adds a rugged but colorful look that I think complements the watch well. However, the magnetic grip is so weak that I spent the last six days fighting to keep the watch on my wrist. G-SHOCK describes the buckle as providing “magnetic and mechanical locking” which feels like a bit of reach. The mechanical component adds no actual security to the clasping mechanism, so the entirety of the connection is dependent on a magnetic strip that is easily detached through normal movement and with a laughable amount of pressure.
Admittedly, the strap wrapped around my wrist almost fully, so the buckle sat in a prime position to make contact with my leg while walking, to hit tables while eating or working, or to catch on my bag while traveling. This might be mitigated if the buckle was positioned differently due to various wrist sizes, but I don’t think the result would be dissimilar to my experience. This watch would absolutely benefit from some sort of extra security measure that would cause the buckle to actually snap into place, with the magnetic connection serving as a reinforcement instead of as the only system keeping the strap together. The polyester fabric also began to show signs of fraying after only a few days – one of the risks of fabric straps, to be sure – but certainly another strike against the longevity of these DW-5600MNC options.
In defense of FIDLOCK’s contribution, I can see how technology of this sort is sensible for something like a bottle mount on a bicycle or a backpack clip. Any activity where there is very little chance of an outside force acting on the mechanism feels like it could benefit from FIDLOCK’s ease of use. I’m thinking cyclists, divers, or potentially anyone wearing thick gloves could be candidates for this new update. Because it can be operated effectively with one hand, there’s also a case for this strap being an ideal option for those with disabilities such as limb differences or dexterity concerns.
I think inclusive technology that broadens the scope of who feels comfortable participating in the watch community is a great addition to the hobby. I’m not seeing this new series being marketed in this way, but that doesn’t mean real-life applications don’t exist. Be advised however, the website notes the presence of magnets necessitates a warning that the watch should be kept ten centimeters away from a pacemaker and at least one centimeter away from cameras, cell phones, and credit cards.
I’m able to imagine a small market for this DW-5600MNC update, but I can confirm that I’m not interested in a G-SHOCK that I have to worry about. The anxiety of a clasp failure far outweighs my desire to improve the wearing experience of the original resin strap.
In sum, I understand the community’s need for a more comfortable strap that can be worn all day and won’t irritate the skin the way a resin strap can – especially during intense activity. I think it’s great that G-SHOCK is attempting to meet that need but it will certainly take some iterating to design something that lives up to the robust standard of the G-SHOCK name. In my opinion, the DW-5600MNC series does not hit that threshold at this time. I’m hopeful, with a few improvements, enthusiasts will be able to feel confident in an alternative strap for their DW-5600 references. For now, I’ll stick with the tried and true OEM option – confident my G-SHOCK is securely along for the ride.
The G-SHOCK DW-5600MNC series watches retail for $165. G-SHOCK
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